FROM the moment she was born 13 weeks premature and weighing less than 2lb, Lauren Cosgrove faced an uphill fight for survival.

Her parents were unable to hold their tiny daughter and could only watch helplessly as she battled against the odds.

At just two days old, Lauren developed a dangerous blood clot that destroyed one of her kidneys.

She was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, MRSA and necrotising enterocolitis – a painful condition that destroys the bowel.

Lauren was rushed to Yorkhill sick children’s hospital in Glasgow for emergency surgery and doctors prepared the couple to say goodbye to their little girl, telling them she was unlikely to pull through.

Against all odds, she survived the eight-hour operation – but then slipped into a coma.

For two weeks, her family prayed she would recover and when she finally opened her eyes, it was the miracle they had hoped for.

Now eight, Lauren is fed 24 hours day through a tube into her stomach and has a central line to her heart delivering vital nutrients to her body.

Lauren with mum Laura and sister Erin (Photo: Andrew Neil)

She has to carry around three separate machines in backpacks just to stay alive and is incontinent after having her colon and most of her bowel removed.

But, despite being in constant chronic pain, she never complains and always has a smile on her face.

Her remarkable courage is the reason why Lauren has been nominated as Little Hero at Our Heroes Awards 2014.

Lauren’s mum Laura, 35, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, said: “She is such an incredible little girl and we are so proud of her. When she was born at 27 weeks, no one expected her to survive and we were told she wouldn’t make it through surgery.

“It was heartbreaking. We thought we were going to lose her and were unsure if she would ever wake up from the coma.

“We kept a daily vigil by her little incubator and when she finally opened her eyes, it was the best feeling in the world.

“Her illness means that she suffers from a lot of medical problems and has undergone countless operations and trips to the hospital.

“But it never breaks her spirit. No matter what’s thrown at Lauren, she always comes out fighting.

“She’s our very own Little Hero and continues to amaze us. We are so pleased she has been nominated, it’s a real honour.”

Lauren was dangerously ill when she was born and was in a coma for two weeks

Lauren spent her first birthday in hospital but her life-threatening illness means she regularly has to return for treatment.

Just last year she spent seven months at Yorkhill hospital, missing her first day at school.

Laura, who is a full-time carer for her daughter, said: “We never thought we would reach the stage where Lauren would be able to go to school.

“She’s suffered so many setbacks in life and has had to fight from the second she was born. Going to school was a huge hurdle for her but she was determined to do it.

“Sadly, she took ill a few days before she was due to start and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

“Her illness means that her body is no longer able to absorb nutrients and she is fed 24 hours a day through a tube in her stomach.

“Lauren also has a line into her heart that delivers nutrients and fats to keep her alive and she carries three machines around at all times to keep her going.

“We were worried about how she would handle it but she just puts her machines in little bags and goes about her business.

“She knows she needs them to keep her alive and understands just how important they are.”

With one of her vital bags (Photo: Phil Dye)

Laura and her husband Cameron, 35, are also parents to Steven, 17, Erin, 11, and three-year-old Cameron, and had to undergo 10 weeks of specialist training to deal with Lauren’s medical equipment.

Laura said: “At first, it was quite daunting and we were worried that we would do something wrong.

“But the nurses were incredible and took time to show us how to monitor her equipment properly.

“Lauren also knows how her machines work and if we are doing something wrong, she is quick to tell us how to do it properly.”

After leaving hospital, Lauren was finally well enough to enjoy her first day at school – a proud moment her family will never forget.

Laura said: “She was so excited and never thought we would get to this stage. Lauren has two assistants who help at school and her classmates are very supportive of her. She has made so many friends and it’s great to see how well she is doing at a mainstream primary school.

“We really don’t know what the future holds for Lauren but we all try to make as many happy memories as we can.

“She does ask about the future but we try to take it one day at a time.

“So far, she’s been through so much and she will face more surgery when she’s older.

“Right now she’s doing well and her brothers and sister all look out for her.

“When I look back at pictures of when she was born I still can’t believe just how far she has come.”

Despite dealing with her own illness, Lauren is also determined to help other critically ill children and has set up a charity called Lauren’s Life Lines. It aims to raise awareness of necrotising enterocolitis and raise money for further research into the condition.

Laura said: “Lauren wants to do all she can to find a cure. It was her idea to set up a charity and she is very committed to it.

“She is planning a host of fundraising events and has also decided to cut off all of her lovely long hair, which will be turned into wigs for children with cancer.

“When she was staying in hospital she saw a lot of children who lost their hair through cancer treatment.

“That’s when she decided to do something to help make them feel better. Lauren also lost her hair a few years back because of her medication and knows how it feels.

“Her hair grew back but she wants to help others.

“She is such a special little girl and when she told me what she was planning to do, I burst into tears of pride.

“She’s an incredible, brave girl. She’s our little miracle.”

? For more info or to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/laurencosgrove

OUR HEROES 2014 - HOW TO NOMINATE

IT is now time for you to nominate your heroes of 2014.

We want you to tell us about extraordinary people who you think deserve recognition.

We’re looking for people who put others’ needs above their own.

It could be a doctor, a nurse, lollipop lady, a cheery bus driver or caring postman, anyone who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

We also want to know about people who show unusual courage or bravery. You can nominate for the following categories: Little Hero, Community Hero, Senior Hero, Forces Hero, Emergency Services Hero, Fundraising Hero, Caring Hero, Entertaining Hero and Sporting Hero. We’ll share their stories with the rest of the country.

? To propose your hero, visit www.dailyrecordourheroes.co.uk . Nominations close on March 23. You can also nominate at the information desk in Buchanan Galleries shopping centre in Glasgow.

• To buy tickets or sponsor the awards on May 9 at the Thistle Hotel in Glasgow call 0141 309 4913